Train derails into river

One train car leaking chemicals

Train cars dangling from the railroad tracks, a scary sight for residents in Haysi, Virginia. Click here to view photos.The train, heading from Hamlet, North Carolina to Russell, Kentucky, had two locomotives and 64 freight cars.According to CSX Railroad, a total of 18 cars were derailed, leaving some in the Russell Fork River."No injuries reported, we did send a crew down to check on the conductor and everybody was fine," says Haysi Fire Chief, Rocky Wood.

The 4 cars that fell into water were empty but there is one overturned carrying hazardous materials."We do have one tanker car that is leaking, but it has not made it to the waterway at this time," Wood says.

Wood tells News 5 it is a slow, but controlled leak. However, it is leaking propionic acid, which is flammable and can be explosive.According to CSX, propionic acid is a corrosive material used for a variety of reasons, including in herbicides, preservatives for grain and woodchips, and mold inhibitors for bread."We do have Wise hazmat team at the car right now, doing more inspection on it," Wood continues.

As a precaution, the waterway has been closed off and water management teams in surrounding areas have been notified.For now, crews are working to make sure the leak doesn't get bigger and doesn't spread into the water.CSX employees are working to find out what caused the accident and how to clean up the mess.